Karan does not interfere at all: Badrinath Ki Dulhania director Shashank Khaitan
Unlike Varun Dhawan who claimed that Koffee With Karan is a “sexy” show, on the show itself, the director of the star’s to-be-released film, Badrinath Ki Dulhania, Shashank Khaitan, disagrees, confessing that he is not even aspiring to be part of Koffee. Almost instantly, as if on damage control mode, he says, “But, I have been a fan of KWK.” Strange, indeed.
Shashank started off with doing odd jobs, including assisting for commercials and films, but now, he has raced up as an independent director, joining the new crop of directors from Dharma Production House. Talking about Friday jitters, Shashank confirms, “I am nervous and excited, of course, but no Friday jitters. I understand that among the people who go to watch it, some may like it, while the others may dislike it. I am anxious to know their reaction after the film releases. I remember whenever I watched interviews of debutant directors, who would often say, ‘this is my baby’, I would always wonder, ‘Yeh kya aise bolte hai?’ (What are they saying?) But now I understand the feeling.”
A still from the upcoming movie Badrinath Ki Dulhania
Retaliating to our question about Karan having added all the yesteryear songs, in the end, to make the film a commercial film, he responds, “Not at all! All the songs were written in the script right from the beginning in 2016. It’s an honest film, which we have made according to our perception. Karan does not interfere at all. Only during the initial sitting sessions, do we discuss everything. Once the script is done, off we go to the locations. Karan should be convinced of the script be it commercial or non-commercial. Once he gives his nod, there are no major changes. Kapoor & Sons was not a commercial film but then the film was good.”
On not being on Koffee with Karan, he says, “I am not aspiring to go to on KWK! But, ‘Never say never in our industry’. Once I become a well-known director, I will surely love to be on the show. At the moment, I have to do a lot more.”
Countering Varun’s comment, he explains, even as he defends that it’s not a “sexy” show. “I believe it’s a stars’ show. I really feel all are Karan’s personal friends. These are people who understand him better. For me, we chat every day over coffee, but in the office. I don’t find it important for me to go on the chat show. However, Alia and Varun forced me to come along. To tell you the truth, at that time, I was busy with my post production work of BNKD, which is more important to me.”
So, does he watch KWK at all? “Oh Yes!” he exclaims, “I have indeed been a fan of this show. I have watched the show right from Season 1.”
Badrinath ki Dulhania seems to have created the right hype! Kudos, indeed, to Alia and Varun, for promoting the film day and night.
